David Desharnais and Rene Bourque each scored two goals to propel the Canadiens to a decisive 6-1 victory Saturday afternoon over division rivals the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres spoiled goaltender Carey Price's shutout bid when Thomas Vanek scored a short-handed goal in the third period. Price tried to smother the puck, but it hit his arm and bounced over him into the net.

Vanek went into the game leading the league in points.

The game also marked the return of P.K. Subban, the Canadiens' star defenceman who led the team in ice time last season, but remained unsigned at the start of this shortened season. The Canadiens signed him to a two-year deal on Monday.

Subban was greeted with cheers and some chants of "P.K.! "They rained down again in the third period when Subban assisted on a power-play goal by Desharnais that put the Canadiens up 6-1. It was Desharnais' second goal of the game. Forward Lars Eller also got an assist on the play.